Nothing Changes Until You DO Something Different

In nature we often talk about natural laws. Gravity. Electromagnetism. Chemical Reactions. As a society our greatest progress has come when we start to understand these natural laws, and then work with them. We can pretend the law isn't  there, try to break it, or simply ignore it if we wish. But we will get no results in our physical world until we start to work within the power of the natural law.

If we were to build a space ship without truly understanding the power of gravity, we would never have success in leaving the earth's atmosphere and traveling to outer space. It simply couldn't happen. We cannot ignore natural laws and hope to accomplish advancement in the physical world.

Here is another example. Bridges can hold a certain weight depending on the design, length, and strength of materials. The holding weight of a bridge is completely dependent on the natural laws of statics. The bridge builder ignores these laws at the peril of everyone who will cross the bridge. Building a successful structure means first, understanding the laws that govern structural strength, and second applying those principles in an effective way.

Personal development is no different. There are principles which govern our personal growth. We can ignore these principles if we wish. But real growth will only come when we understand the principles, and then follow them in an effective way.

With that introduction let me share the First Law of Personal Transformation

Nothing Changes Unless We DO Something Different

You can study. You can learn. You can talk. You can promise. You can plan. You can watch documentaries. You can set a goal. You can motivate yourself. You can even study every word on this blog.  But you WILL NOT find personal growth and transformation until your behaviors change.

If I read a book on developing willpower I will learn that meditation is an effective way to develop strength of willpower. 

Until I actually start to meditate, and stick with it for a significant amount of time, nothing will change.

If I make the decision to be more productive I can buy the best productivity system on the planet. But I won't get more done until I start to USE the power of the magic half hour.

If I decide I want more energy in my life I can get a recipe book about healthy, energizing foods. But nothing changes until I GO to the grocery store, buy the ingredients, and make a change to my eating patterns.

On the surface this principle may seem obvious. Yet in our efforts to grow and change we violate this law all the time. We read a few good books and listen to some motivational tapes, but don't change behavior. Or if we do change the behavior it lasts for two days.

I am a big proponent of both study and motivation. However in general we do not focus on the changes in behavior that will make a big difference. I don't think we consciously select specific activities to follow daily which will have a huge affect on our lives and our success.

Do not ignore this law. Figure out the change you want to make, figure out the actions that will bring about that change, and then change the behavior. Change the behavior in a specific and committed way. Hold yourself accountable for your behavior plan and stick to it.

It is truly the only way to bring about meaningful personal growth.